With traditional regulators, a large amount of gas is lost on start-up.  The new ESAB Optiflow has an optimum start flow that is just a quarter of a traditional regulator. This is achieved through the inclusion of a two-stage reduction valve that has been developed specifically for use with welding shielding gases.

Its extremely pressure sensitive second stage greatly reduces the gas surge that normally occurs at start-up of gas-arc welding, saving up to 50% of the gas when welding normally.